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Polar Scope Align
4+

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Description

Polar Scope Align will calculate the position of Polaris or σ Octantis in your Polar Scope reticle for your location (using your phone's GPS), allowing a quick and accurate polar alignment. It is one of the few programs that are accurate even in lower latitudes by correcting for atmospheric refraction (so expect results to agree only with precise software and not most simplistic "polar align" apps - see the "Accuracy" section in the website). It will even allow you to correct a centering error of the reticle - very useful for polar scopes that are not easy to adjust (e.g. iOptron ZEQ25). In the settings you can also select from a collection of reticles, one that matches your own - currently iOptron, Astro-Physics, Takahashi, Orion, Skywatcher, Celestron, Meade, Vixen, Astrotrac, Losmandy, Kenko, Avalon Instruments, Tuthill, Telrad reticles are available. Feel free to contact the developer with any questions, feature requests, extra reticle requests and any problems you have with the app. If you like Polar Scope Align, please consider leaving a review on the app store.

This free version is ad-supported. You can also try the ad-free Pro version with the following extra features:

-Ability to manually enter time/date and location (including saving favorites, list of recent locations, loading from world location database, searching online).-Zoomable reticle view.-Alt-az alignment error display for mounts that calculate it after star alignment (e.g. iOptron iEQ45, CEM60).-Polar alignment when your scope is not in zero position (for mounts on which you can always access the polar scope).-Lunar Calendar with solar/lunar rise/set and twilight times.-Approximate daytime / no polarscope polar alignment tool. Great for solar imaging (including eclipses).-Bubble level (using either gyro or accelerometer) and Compass heading, as well as magnetic declination reading.-GPS accuracy & elevation data.-Red/White/LED light control.-Deep Space Object Database with 13000+ objects from several catalogs (Messier, Caldwell, NGC, IC, Herschell 400, Sharpless 2). The database is searchable and fully configurable with filters, various sorting methods etc.-Over 20 calculators useful for observing and astrophotography, from eyepiece magnification and field of view, to imaging resolution and reducers.-World astro-weather report based on 7Timer! data.-Access to the latest water vapor satellite images.-List of visible ISS passes and Iridium flares.-iOptron Named Star list, Meade LX200 star list.-Screen dimming slider.

The app is updated regularly with new features. From version 3.5, an upgrade of the app to a new version will anonymously share the iOS version, reticle and tools used, so that I can focus development appropriately. The main reason for this is that while I intend to keep support for iOS 6/7 devices for as long as I am allowed, even for very few users, it adds an overhead so I should make sure it is really needed.

What's New

Version History

3.8

Jan 18, 2018

Polar Scope Align never nags you with popups about a rating/review, but please do take a moment to rate new versions which bring more features, as the star rating resets. There is a link to ratings in the settings page if it helps. What's new:

3.7

Dec 10, 2017

Polar Scope Align never nags you with popups about a rating/review, so it doesn't usually get many ratings, but some users did take the time to leave a rating/review and I thank them. If you can also rate again after you try a new version, that would be great, as star ratings get reset and Polar Scope Align gets updated too often to keep a rating (there is a link in the settings page if it helps). What's new:

3.6

Oct 19, 2017

Polar Scope Align never nags you with popups about a rating/review, so it doesn't usually get many ratings, but some users did take the time to leave a rating/review and I thank them. If you can also rate again after you try a new version, that would be great, as star ratings get reset and Polar Scope Align gets updated too often to keep a rating (there is a link in the settings page if it helps).

What's new:-The "Point To The Sky" sort function in DSO Database now shows icons with the type of objects when showing a list of the nearest objects to where you are pointing.-When your device does not give the app access to the true north heading, you will be warned and the app will try to calculate true north from the magnetic north.-DSO DB list view has clearer font.-Fixed slider/switch issue on iOS 6.

3.5

Sep 11, 2017

Polar Scope Align never nags you with popups about a rating/review, so it doesn't usually get many ratings, but some users did take the time to leave a rating/review and I thank them. If you can also rate again after you try a new version, that would be great, as star ratings get reset and Polar Scope Align gets updated too often to keep a rating (there is a link in the settings page if it helps).

What's new:-Point your phone to the sky and sort the DSO database list by distance from where you pointed.-Fixed Julian Date calculator month input issue.-A couple of adjustments to the exposure calculator (based on my own eclipse testing).-When the app upgrades to a new version (not new installations), it will anonymously share the iOS version, reticle and tools used, so that I can focus development appropriately. I intend to keep support for iOS 6/7 devices for as long as I am allowed, even for very few users - but if no users appear to be on an old iOS version, it may be dropped sooner.

3.4

Aug 14, 2017

As Polar Scope Align never nags you with popups about a rating/review, it gets very few ratings despite the number of users. So, if you use the app perhaps you could consider doing a quick rating/review on the app store (there is a link in the settings page if it helps).

The v3.4 update is mostly targeting eclipse-related functionality for the Pro version (e.g. daytime polar alignment functionality), ahead of my eclipse trip, however the free version gets one of the eclipse features:

-Solar Eclipse presets for the exposure calculator (mostly based on Fred Espenak's exposure tables).-Updated to new iOS SDK (better iPad Pro compatibility). Kept ability to work down to iOS 6. Tell me if there are any issues!

3.3

Jun 23, 2017

As Polar Scope Align never nags you with popups about a rating/review, it rarely gets ratings despite the number of users. So, if you use the app perhaps you could consider doing a quick rating/review on the app store (there is a link in the settings page if it helps).

v3.3 changes:

- DSLR exposure calculator. Also, some calculator fields have a button to select from a list of values.- Some design improvements.- Set Zero Position button restored for Skywatcher/Orion 2012-2032 reticle.

3.1

Apr 4, 2017

-Added South Hemisphere versions for two Skywatcher reticles and improved reticle instructions.-Bright stars (of at least magnitude 2.0) were added to the DSO database.-Added ability to sort by distance from an alt/az coordinate point in DSO DB.-A small sample of the calculators for observing and astrophotography that were just added to the Pro version.

I would appreciate a quick review on the App store if you are using the app - if you have a specific request/suggestion you can also try the official app page at http://astro.ecuadors.net

3.0

Mar 7, 2017

-Deep Space Object Database with Messier and Caldwell objects (a subset of the PRO version's over 12000 objects including the full NGC & IC catalogs). The database is searchable and fully configurable with filters, various sorting methods etc.-Reorganized settings screen (reticles were getting to be too many to fit the page!).-Added Kenko Skymemo RS reticle.-Added σ Oct version of the Astrotrac.-Vixen Polarie display shows arcmin instead of years for Polaris location.-Some tweaks in help.

2.11

I would appreciate a quick review on the App store if you are using the app - if you have a specific request/suggestion you can also try the official app page at http://astro.ecuadors.net

2.10

Jun 3, 2016

-Fixed minor layout issues for some iPhones.-Replaced iAd.

I would appreciate a quick review on the App store if you are using the app - if you have a specific request/suggestion you can also try the official app page at http://astro.ecuadors.net

2.9

Apr 11, 2016

-Vixen GP/GP-DX polar scope added.

I would appreciate a quick review on the App store if you are using the app - if you have a specific request/suggestion you can also try the official app page at http://astro.ecuadors.net

2.8

Mar 14, 2016

-Separated the very old style Synta (Celestron / Skywatcher etc) reticle from the more common “classic” (and actually current for Celestron, but replaced by most others), in order to match better those two reticles respectively. Reticles list re-arranged a bit.-The "classic" Celestron/Skywatcher etc reticle can be calibrated (using dift alignment or ASPA) so that its epoch matches yours exactly.-Advanced settings screen improved, “Always show dashed cross” option added (it helps with some reticles to have a horizontal/vertical line for reference).

I would appreciate a quick review on the App store if you are using the app - if you have a specific request/suggestion you can also try the official app page at http://astro.ecuadors.net

2.7

Feb 9, 2016

-Switched time/date entry fields to local time by default (UTC is now shown below LST) in order to avoid confusion about the date shown. You can still switch to UTC entry in advanced settings.-General help added (icon on top of main page).

I would appreciate a quick review on the App store if you are using the app - if you have a specific request/suggestion you can also try the official app page at http://astro.ecuadors.net

I would appreciate a quick review on the App store if you are using the app - if you have a specific request/suggestion you can also try the official app page at http://astro.ecuadors.net

2.5

Jan 11, 2016

-Setting the reticle zero point on "new" style Synta (Skywatcher / Orion) mounts that come with the reticle installed in a random orientation.-"Classic" Celestron / Skywatcher / Orion as well as Losmandy polar scopes get an option to set the "zero position" RA for mounts like the modern Celestron GOTOs where you do not have a resettable setting circle. You should only need to find the zero position once.-Improved help.-Constellations on "Classic" Celestron / Skywatcher / Orion drawn to match reticles (instead of matching the sky).-Updated Tuthill to better match the actual reticle.-Updated Takahashi EM200/400 to aid those that have the 2000-2030 version.

I would appreciate a quick review on the App store if you are using the app - if you have a specific request/suggestion you can also try the official app page at http://astro.ecuadors.net

2.4

Dec 11, 2015

-Meade 9x60 Polar Viewfinder added.-iOptron "Old" scale correction.

I would appreciate a quick review on the App store if you are using the app - if you have a specific request/suggestion you can also try the official app page at http://astro.ecuadors.net

2.3

Dec 3, 2015

-Upgraded Tuthill Polar Axis Finder.

I would appreciate a quick review on the App store if you are using the app - if you have a specific request/suggestion you can also try the official app page at http://astro.ecuadors.net

2.2

Nov 19, 2015

-Updated help for several reticles.

I would appreciate a quick review on the App store if you are using the app - if you have a specific request/suggestion you can also try the official app page at http://astro.ecuadors.net

1.6

Polar Scope Align never nags you with popups about a rating/review, but please do take a moment to rate new versions which bring more features, as the star rating resets. There is a link to ratings in the settings page if it helps. What's new:

Ratings and Reviews

4.9 out of 5

14 Ratings

14 Ratings

Best Polar Alignment App

Oct 23, 2017

AstronomerSteve

When I found out that the recent solar eclipse was not going to be total at my observatory, I had to shoot closer to my home. I used this app to align my old C8 the night before (with no polar scope). It was so accurate that it kept the sun centered for over 5 hours. I then discovered that it had a reticle for my G11 Gemini permanently mounted at my observatory. Now it's aligned better than I was able to get by drift aligning. Works great on my iPad too. Thanks for a great and useful app. Steve Foster

Best Polar Alignment App

Oct 23, 2017

AstronomerSteve

When I found out that the recent solar eclipse was not going to be total at my observatory, I had to shoot closer to my home. I used this app to align my old C8 the night before (with no polar scope). It was so accurate that it kept the sun centered for over 5 hours. I then discovered that it had a reticle for my G11 Gemini permanently mounted at my observatory. Now it's aligned better than I was able to get by drift aligning. Works great on my iPad too. Thanks for a great and useful app. Steve Foster

By far the best app for polar alignment

Nov 16, 2017

Swag yolo easy money

The interface is effortless, and easy to interpret. I've very much enjoyed my time using this application for astrophotography, and recommend it to others.

By far the best app for polar alignment

Nov 16, 2017

Swag yolo easy money

The interface is effortless, and easy to interpret. I've very much enjoyed my time using this application for astrophotography, and recommend it to others.

Super helpful

Oct 20, 2017

brianfulda

With this app I'm able to get a much more precise polar alignment than I would just eyeballing it. This was a direct contributor to getting 1 minute subs unguided on a recent imaging session.

Super helpful

Oct 20, 2017

brianfulda

With this app I'm able to get a much more precise polar alignment than I would just eyeballing it. This was a direct contributor to getting 1 minute subs unguided on a recent imaging session.